Home Energy Pros2015-03-04T00:21:14ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633http://api.ning.com:80/files/u5j7ET9H3mOUyYq3QKapMWDM-wNYNWfRGPCew3F5UKrqqHYPHnAKlVA*qZ41W4Z8x9MvuMoqxcuQkAxX1ITljMAMqC9o9hld/image015.png?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=0833izj6zvxnp&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHome Energy's March/April issue is live!tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-03-03:6069565:Topic:1773212015-03-03T21:22:09.506ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<div class="archiveCurrentIssueBlock"><div class="archiveCurrentIssueThumbnail greyBorder"><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/images/magazines/thumb_med/141.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="http://www.homeenergy.org/images/magazines/thumb_med/141.jpg?width=215" width="215"></img></a></div>
</div>
<p>The March/April issue is now live on <a href="http://www.homeenergy.org" target="_blank">www.homeenergy.org</a>.</p>
<p>This month's articles include:</p>
<p><a class="learnMore" href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2026">Editorial: At Home with the…</a></p>
<div class="archiveCurrentIssueBlock"><div class="archiveCurrentIssueThumbnail greyBorder"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.homeenergy.org/images/magazines/thumb_med/141.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://www.homeenergy.org/images/magazines/thumb_med/141.jpg?width=215" width="215"/></a></div>
</div>
<p>The March/April issue is now live on <a href="http://www.homeenergy.org" target="_blank">www.homeenergy.org</a>.</p>
<p>This month's articles include:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2026" class="learnMore">Editorial: At Home with the Internet of Annoying Things</a></p>
<div id="archiveCurrentIssueNav"><h2>Features</h2>
<a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2023" class="learnMore">Lessons Learned in Quality Management</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2025" class="learnMore">Air Sealing Challenges for Small Buildings</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2027" class="learnMore">Kitchen Ventilation</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2024" class="learnMore">Mr. Pitt's Neighborhood</a><h2>Trends &amp; News</h2>
<a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2029" class="learnMore">Vi Rapp: Reducing the Risks of Carbon Monoxide</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2020" class="learnMore">The Active World of Passive Houses</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2022" class="learnMore">Overcoming Codes and Standards Barriers to Innovations in Building Energy Efficiency</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2021" class="learnMore">Hot Water: Why Plumbing Technologies and System Designs Matter</a></div>
<div><div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2028" class="learnMore">Contributors</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/magazine/141/nav/issues/id/2030" class="learnMore">Calendar</a></div>
</div>
<div class="clearer"><img src="http://www.homeenergy.org/images/interface/clear.gif" alt=""/></div> When your shower is in your kitchen...tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-03-03:6069565:Topic:1770122015-03-03T19:42:09.300ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>Interesting question by Leanne Maxwell, former colleague at Home Energy:</p>
<p>"Aside from all of the obvious logistical issues of having a shower in your kitchen, what kind of IAQ nightmare does it present?"</p>
<p>Here's the kitchen in question:</p>
<p><a href="http://streeteasy.com/building/27-orchard-street-manhattan/14">http://streeteasy.com/building/27-orchard-street-manhattan/14</a></p>
<p>Interesting question by Leanne Maxwell, former colleague at Home Energy:</p>
<p>"Aside from all of the obvious logistical issues of having a shower in your kitchen, what kind of IAQ nightmare does it present?"</p>
<p>Here's the kitchen in question:</p>
<p><a href="http://streeteasy.com/building/27-orchard-street-manhattan/14">http://streeteasy.com/building/27-orchard-street-manhattan/14</a></p> Using Two Exhaust Fans with AirCycler g2/FanConnecttag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-03-03:6069565:Topic:1771252015-03-03T16:59:29.908ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>A customer of ours recently asked if it was possible to operate two exhaust fans in two different bathrooms with the AirCycler g2 and FanConnect switch, to get double the exhaust ventilation counted toward the ventilation requirements. The answers is yes.</p>
<p><br></br> Here's how, using one FanConnect switch to control two fans:…</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>A customer of ours recently asked if it was possible to operate two exhaust fans in two different bathrooms with the AirCycler g2 and FanConnect switch, to get double the exhaust ventilation counted toward the ventilation requirements. The answers is yes.</p>
<p><br/> Here's how, using one FanConnect switch to control two fans:</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jIM5ZSWhuBbsooK6i88Mhgq7SjKs0w5XMFhnz8OTYJeLjKX0SmD0RckDCgWM2F*5HEWjR8XCbxcGY2sGHVvgJWaHKEuMJwAG/FCWiringDiagram2Fans_2Bathrooms.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jIM5ZSWhuBbsooK6i88Mhgq7SjKs0w5XMFhnz8OTYJeLjKX0SmD0RckDCgWM2F*5HEWjR8XCbxcGY2sGHVvgJWaHKEuMJwAG/FCWiringDiagram2Fans_2Bathrooms.jpg?width=750" width="723" class="align-full" height="327"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>1. By using a standard 3-way switch in the second bath and wiring to the FanConnect switch, the FanConnect can turn on the exhaust fan in the second bath at the same time it turns on the exhaust fan in the first bath. Otherwise, the second exhaust fan will continue to function normally, turning on when a user flips the 3-way switch.</p>
<p><br/> 2. Any time the FanConnect switch is turned on, both fans will run and that time as well as the following delay time will be counted as ventilation at the combined rate of both fans.</p>
<p><br/> 3. When required, the AirCycler g2 controller will activate both fans at the same time to provide needed supplemental ventilation.<br/> <br/> 4. When setting the <em>Measured Exhaust Airflow</em> in the g2 setup mode, enter the flow for both exhaust fans.</p>
<p></p>
<p>More information on the operation and installation of both the AirCycler g2 controller and the FanConnect switch can be found <a href="http://www.aircycler.com/pages/g2k" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p> A WARNING ON VINYL SIDINGtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-26:6069565:Topic:1764992015-02-26T23:07:37.718ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>Back in 2003 I was called out to a home in Sacramento. I was called there in the begining of summer. The prior winter the home was painted with our RCC.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I found the home was painted a medium grey. The color of the 30-year-old vinyl siding was a light lime green before it was painted grey with our coating. Way too dark to tint our coating to.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The first 100-degree day they had, the vinyl siding warped beyond belief, like someone had taken a torch to the West…</p>
<p>Back in 2003 I was called out to a home in Sacramento. I was called there in the begining of summer. The prior winter the home was painted with our RCC.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I found the home was painted a medium grey. The color of the 30-year-old vinyl siding was a light lime green before it was painted grey with our coating. Way too dark to tint our coating to.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The first 100-degree day they had, the vinyl siding warped beyond belief, like someone had taken a torch to the West and South walls. On close inspection, the subcontractor had applied it way too thin for it to work effectively. They had tinted it to a color much darker than the original color of the siding. Both those things contributed to the siding getting so hot it warped.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our distributor had to install concrete board on those 2 walls and re-shoot it with a color we COULD tint it to and at the correct thickness this time, A 5k EXPENSE. They chose a grey that was one shade lighter than the first grey. After it was done those walls were cool to the touch on a 100-degree day and no more problem.I contacted a vinyl siding manufacturer and told them the whole story. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The manufacturer said that vinyl siding has some respectable solar reflectivity, around 20% depending on the color. It is designed (each color) to expand with heat and contract with cold, back to its original shape and length. What was done was no different than if they painted a much darker colr with standard paint.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I strongly suggest you tell your customers that if in the future they want to paint the siding a different color, choose a color that is lighter than the original factory color of the siding. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This could happen to theirs too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hal</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ct-coating.com">www.ct-coating.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> FLIR i-7 for saletag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-26:6069565:Topic:1765922015-02-26T01:47:11.418ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have a very lightly used FLIR 1-7 for sale. <span> i-7, serial # 60101-4267. Full hard case and everything.</span></p>
<p><span>Asking $1400.</span></p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have a very lightly used FLIR 1-7 for sale. <span> i-7, serial # 60101-4267. Full hard case and everything.</span></p>
<p><span>Asking $1400.</span></p> Vinyl Siding with Integral Insulationtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-25:6069565:Topic:1765852015-02-25T21:54:01.816ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
Hello Pros.<br />
<br />
I have a client for whom I'm about to engage in stage 3 of improving the comfort in his home.<br />
<br />
One of my partner contractors is recommending vinyl siding with 3/8" integral insulation.<br />
<br />
My question is this: is this approach similar to employing continuous rigid exterior insulation. My guess is no.<br />
<br />
He is recommending wrapping the walls then installing this vinyl siding product.<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance!
Hello Pros.<br />
<br />
I have a client for whom I'm about to engage in stage 3 of improving the comfort in his home.<br />
<br />
One of my partner contractors is recommending vinyl siding with 3/8" integral insulation.<br />
<br />
My question is this: is this approach similar to employing continuous rigid exterior insulation. My guess is no.<br />
<br />
He is recommending wrapping the walls then installing this vinyl siding product.<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance! Should your local weatherization company be required to have someone BPI certified on their staff?tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-23:6069565:Topic:1764162015-02-23T14:51:43.780ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>Hello, 9 out of ten 10 homes visited were supposed to have been weatherized. Upon inspection, I found air leakage around heating and domestic pipes...the very places that should be insulated and air-sealed. Where is the enforcement? How can these contractors get away with do shoddy work? </p>
<p>Hello, 9 out of ten 10 homes visited were supposed to have been weatherized. Upon inspection, I found air leakage around heating and domestic pipes...the very places that should be insulated and air-sealed. Where is the enforcement? How can these contractors get away with do shoddy work? </p> Vented cathedral ceiling construction advice...tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-21:6069565:Topic:1759022015-02-21T17:58:22.117ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>Had been planning on building an unvented cathedral ceiling, but have since realized I need to vent it! Here's where I'm at so far on my construction:<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwIImLzkfRCC1*7k5k1mU0VnZNB*95XZxaTS9ZeZbxnrUAmzUWr14zhmn8Yrj1BMP0X-d41NrZ0r35-g6TIKnl6Z/IMG_2419.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwIImLzkfRCC1*7k5k1mU0VnZNB*95XZxaTS9ZeZbxnrUAmzUWr14zhmn8Yrj1BMP0X-d41NrZ0r35-g6TIKnl6Z/IMG_2419.JPG" width="480"></img></a> This is what I'm planning for the roof assembly:…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Had been planning on building an unvented cathedral ceiling, but have since realized I need to vent it! Here's where I'm at so far on my construction:<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwIImLzkfRCC1*7k5k1mU0VnZNB*95XZxaTS9ZeZbxnrUAmzUWr14zhmn8Yrj1BMP0X-d41NrZ0r35-g6TIKnl6Z/IMG_2419.JPG" target="_self"><img width="480" class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwIImLzkfRCC1*7k5k1mU0VnZNB*95XZxaTS9ZeZbxnrUAmzUWr14zhmn8Yrj1BMP0X-d41NrZ0r35-g6TIKnl6Z/IMG_2419.JPG"/></a>This is what I'm planning for the roof assembly:</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwIV4DFho*C5e*VQDP0Yw419z8xQFtssT57GbNTM*GmUxexgBW6XQ6tM2qzh8-OMaOjdlYWfgsABLlssCgfBKDtO/IJoists.jpg" target="_self"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwIV4DFho*C5e*VQDP0Yw419z8xQFtssT57GbNTM*GmUxexgBW6XQ6tM2qzh8-OMaOjdlYWfgsABLlssCgfBKDtO/IJoists.jpg?width=600"/></a>The big question I'm struggling with is how the vent channel works. Is it critical I have some type of "ridge vent" on the high side? Or will air "fall" to a soffit vent if I have soffit vents instead?</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwLWKJiM*dwwhUuizlqhrp9CBPicCdDZukgHx3dEqEt1-K1u3Fp4JlTsbOHzhC48xUarXPcMoviZBkAHhhOmo4Dg/Ventquestion.jpg" target="_self"><img width="529" class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JaaIjingYwLWKJiM*dwwhUuizlqhrp9CBPicCdDZukgHx3dEqEt1-K1u3Fp4JlTsbOHzhC48xUarXPcMoviZBkAHhhOmo4Dg/Ventquestion.jpg"/></a>Any advice? Also questioning if there is a "best choice" for creating the vent channel, considering just using OSB or black fiberboard nailed to the I-joist, or would it be smarter to use foam board?</p> Getting Balanced Ventilation with the AirCycler g2-ktag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-19:6069565:Topic:1752972015-02-19T19:40:33.677ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>We spoke to a lot of people at RESNET 2015 about balanced ventilation so we wanted to share here how it can be achieved with the AirCycler g2-k. Just set the EXH setting to SLave mode. It’s pretty simple –</p>
<p><br></br>Using the AirCycler g2 in CALCULATED TIME SETUP:</p>
<ol>
<li>Navigate to the setting for Minutes of Exhaust Fan Required*</li>
<li>Press the DOWN arrow until the countdown reaches 0, then press DOWN again to get to SL. SL = Slave Mode<br></br><br></br>In Slave Mode, the exhaust fan…</li>
</ol>
<p>We spoke to a lot of people at RESNET 2015 about balanced ventilation so we wanted to share here how it can be achieved with the AirCycler g2-k. Just set the EXH setting to SLave mode. It’s pretty simple –</p>
<p><br/>Using the AirCycler g2 in CALCULATED TIME SETUP:</p>
<ol>
<li>Navigate to the setting for Minutes of Exhaust Fan Required*</li>
<li>Press the DOWN arrow until the countdown reaches 0, then press DOWN again to get to SL. SL = Slave Mode<br/><br/>In Slave Mode, the exhaust fan runs any time the central fan is running with the fresh air damper open. Slave Mode provides a balanced form of operation, bringing fresh air in and exhausting fresh air out simultaneously.<br/><br/></li>
<li>Navigate through the rest of the settings and when complete, press the center MODE button to save all settings and return to normal operation.</li>
</ol>
<p><br/>*Note that the FanConnect switch must be connected to use this function.</p>
<p><br/>Detailed instructions for the AirCycler g2 and g2-k are available at <a href="http://www.aircycler.com/" target="_blank">www.aircycler.com</a></p> Giving credit when disagreeingtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-19:6069565:Topic:1753582015-02-19T18:35:39.611ZMatthew Stewarthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewStewart633
<p>It seems simple, if you quote someone you should give them credit and note the source. But should you provide credit when you are assigning blame? If you are pointing out something that is wrong, my concern is that the original source might not appreciate being singled out. And worse, many sources we read are subject to being changed. I once quoted a blog as a poor example of what was being discussed only to return and find the author substituted a different topic. Other than published…</p>
<p>It seems simple, if you quote someone you should give them credit and note the source. But should you provide credit when you are assigning blame? If you are pointing out something that is wrong, my concern is that the original source might not appreciate being singled out. And worse, many sources we read are subject to being changed. I once quoted a blog as a poor example of what was being discussed only to return and find the author substituted a different topic. Other than published works, almost everything is subject to editing despite the copies of same I always save.</p>
<p>My tendency is to paraphrase or create a fictitious example that does not point to the original source, but that waters down the credibility of my discussion. Are we just forced, through best practices, to avoid discussing bad advice which is so often available on the internet?</p>
<p>Bud</p>